Schools get heatwave flexibility as unions demand long-term plan

Schools across the Valencian Community could soon be allowed to shorten teaching hours during periods of extreme heat, following growing concerns about rising classroom temperatures and their impact on students and staff.

The regional Education Department has announced measures that would give schools greater flexibility when temperatures become excessive, particularly during the final weeks of the academic year when heatwaves are increasingly common.

However, education unions argue that temporary timetable changes do not address the root problem and are calling for a long-term investment plan to properly cool school buildings.

New measures for extreme temperatures

Under the proposals, schools would be able to adapt their schedules when weather conditions make normal classroom activities difficult. The move is intended to help educational centres respond more quickly to heat alerts and protect the wellbeing of pupils and teachers.

Many schools across the region, particularly older buildings, lack adequate air conditioning or modern climate-control systems. As a result, classrooms can become uncomfortable and, in some cases, unsuitable for learning during periods of intense summer heat.

Education authorities say the flexibility will allow schools to make practical decisions based on local conditions while ensuring students remain safe.

Unions say temporary fixes are not enough

Teacher representatives have welcomed recognition of the problem but insist that reducing teaching hours should not become the main solution.

Union groups argue that the increasing frequency of heatwaves means schools need permanent improvements rather than emergency measures each summer. They are calling for a comprehensive climate adaptation strategy that includes air conditioning, improved ventilation, solar shading and energy-efficient building upgrades.

According to union representatives, many students and staff continue to work in classrooms where temperatures regularly exceed recommended comfort levels during late spring and early summer.

They warn that learning conditions can deteriorate rapidly during hot weather, affecting concentration, productivity and overall wellbeing.

Growing challenge for schools

The debate comes as Spain experiences increasingly hot summers, with experts warning that extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent and lasting longer.

Educational centres are among the public buildings facing pressure to adapt to changing climate conditions. Similar concerns have been raised in recent years by parents, teachers and local authorities across several regions of Spain.

For schools in the Valencian Community, the latest measures may provide short-term relief as temperatures climb. However, unions insist the conversation must now move beyond emergency responses and towards long-term investment that ensures classrooms remain safe, comfortable and fit for learning throughout the year.

With summer approaching, the issue of how to keep schools cool is likely to remain high on the education agenda.